SM Emergency ProtocolsEasyStagecraft Course · Tier 1B · Module 3 (Speak Stage Management) · v1.0 · what happens when something goes wrong + who does what

Why this matters. Emergencies don't happen often. When they do, every second of hesitation matters. The SM has ultimate show-time authority — but the SM is one person; protocols matter. This sheet covers the 6 emergencies your SM should have rehearsed + that you should know the structure of. Print A4 + post in prompt corner.

Protocol 1 · Show-stop (technical failure)

Trigger

A major technical failure mid-show. Examples: console crash, fly system jam, main PA failure, total blackout that can't be recovered with house lights.

Who calls it: STAGE MANAGER

Step 1. SM calls "Hold the show" on cans. All operators stop firing cues.

Step 2. LX op brings lights to a safe state: blackout + house lights on at 50%. Cast freezes in position.

Step 3. Sound op cuts unauthorised audio. Background music or pre-show track on.

Step 4. SM steps to the front of the stage (or uses house PA): "Ladies and gentlemen, we're pausing the show briefly. Please remain seated. We'll be back in a few minutes."

Step 5. SM works with relevant department head (LD / SD / Set head) to resolve. Producer informed via cans.

Step 6. Estimated time conveyed back to audience every 3 minutes if it's a long pause.

Step 7. When fixed: SM calls "Resuming from top of [scene]. Standby [cue]. GO." Show restarts.

Protocol 2 · Medical incident (cast or audience)

Trigger

A cast member, crew member, or audience member needs medical attention. Can be: collapse, severe allergic reaction, suspected stroke, severe asthma, head injury, faint.

Who calls it: STAGE MANAGER (or FOH MANAGER if audience-side)

Step 1. If onstage: SM calls "Hold the show" + cuts to a safe state.

Step 2. Nearest competent first-aider attends (every show should have a designated first-aider; usually a teacher).

Step 3. If ambulance needed: nominated phone-holder calls 000. Phone-holder is briefed in pre-show meeting.

Step 4. If audience-side: FOH manager handles. SM continues show only if SM is sure the incident is contained.

Step 5. Cast informed quietly via SM after the show; no announcements.

Step 6. Post-incident: incident report completed. Producer + school administration informed.

Protocol 3 · Fire alarm

Trigger

Fire alarm activates. ASSUME it is real until confirmed otherwise. Evacuate.

Who calls it: STAGE MANAGER + FOH MANAGER coordinated

Step 1. SM cuts show: "Show-stop. Fire alarm. Cast remain calm + leave via the stage-door route to assembly point."

Step 2. FOH manager guides audience to nearest fire exit. Ushers direct.

Step 3. LX op brings all stage lights to safe state + house lights to full. Audience can see exits.

Step 4. Sound op stops all audio. Disables any haze / smoke machines.

Step 5. All crew + cast assemble at the school's standard fire-drill assembly point.

Step 6. Headcount: SM counts crew, FOH manager counts audience.

Step 7. Resume only after fire service all-clear. May mean cancelling the show.

Protocol 4 · Power failure (full venue blackout)

Trigger

Total power loss. Stage lights out. Sound out. Audience in dark.

Who calls it: STAGE MANAGER

Step 1. Most venues have battery-backed emergency lighting that activates within seconds. SM confirms emergency lights on.

Step 2. SM uses house PA (often battery-backed) or, if not, speaks loudly from the front of stage: "Ladies and gentlemen, we've had a power outage. Please remain seated. Emergency lights are on. We'll update you when we know more."

Step 3. Cast freezes in position. Crew confirms no one was operating a fly system or scenic move at moment of failure.

Step 4. Venue technician investigates power. SM + Producer assess: short blackout (< 10 min) or extended (> 10 min)?

Step 5. If short: brief audience update + wait. Resume from a safe restart point.

Step 6. If extended (>10 min): communicate to audience, consider intermission / cancellation. Producer decision.

Protocol 5 · Performer injury onstage

Trigger

A cast member is injured mid-performance. Examples: trip, fall, fall-from-height, cut, sprain.

Who calls it: STAGE MANAGER (with discretion — minor injury vs serious)

Step 1. Minor injury (the performer can continue): nothing happens. Show continues. SM logs incident in show notes; first aid given post-show.

Step 2. Mid-level injury (cast member can leave the stage on their own): SM whispers via cans to ASM to escort the performer offstage at next break. Understudy or scene adjustment may happen.

Step 3. Serious injury (cast member cannot move): SM calls "Hold the show" — same Protocol 1 + 2 sequence. Medical responds.

Step 4. If understudy can take over after a brief pause: cast change + show resumes. Audience briefed lightly: "We're making a small change; back in 5 minutes."

Step 5. If no understudy: show may need to cancel. Refunds / re-scheduling = Producer call.

Protocol 6 · Audience disruption

Trigger

Audience member becomes disruptive — heckling, intoxicated, mobile phone repeated ringing, recording the show despite signage.

Who calls it: FOH MANAGER (not SM — show continues)

Step 1. FOH manager assesses. Quiet word to the audience member.

Step 2. If escalates: FOH manager asks audience member to leave. Usher escorts.

Step 3. SM is informed via comm but does NOT stop the show.

Step 4. If physical altercation or threat: SM holds show. Security or police called.

Step 5. Post-show: incident report. Producer reviews with venue management.

The pre-show emergency briefing

Before every show day, the SM should run a 5-minute briefing covering:

Designated 000-caller (usually a senior teacher or the Producer).
Location of first-aid kit + AED if available.
Fire exit routes from stage + from audience.
Assembly point.
Backup phone if mobile signal poor in venue.
"If in doubt, stop the show. Better to interrupt than fail to act."

Standard contact card for the prompt corner

Service	Number	Notes
Emergency	000	Police / Fire / Ambulance — universal AU emergency line
Police-Assistance Line (non-emergency)	131 444	Non-urgent.
Poisons Info Centre	13 11 26	If an unknown chemical is ingested or contacts skin.
State Emergency Service	132 500	Storm / flood / non-life-threatening response.
School first-aider	[insert school contact]	On-call during productions.
Venue tech (after-hours)	[insert venue contact]	For power / venue facilities issues.
School principal / on-call exec	[insert school exec contact]	For major incidents.

Laminate this card. Pin it to the SM desk in the prompt corner. Review every term + before every show.